Arike Ogunbowale Delivers Birthday-Bursting Clutch as Mist Topples Breeze in Unrivaled Semifinals — A Dallas Today Exclusive
Published on Mar. 3, 2026
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On her 29th birthday, Arike Ogunbowale stepped into the spotlight with a dramatic game-winning three that carried the Mist past the Breeze 73-69 in the Unrivaled Semifinals. The victory advances Mist to a championship showdown against Phantom BC set for Wednesday, March 4, at 9:30 p.m. EST.
Why this matters
The Unrivaled League, co-created by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, signals basketball’s shift toward a faster, more accessible 3v3 format that broadens fan appeal. Ogunbowale’s heroics arrive as ongoing talks between the WNBA and its players’ union focus on a new collective bargaining agreement, with revenue sharing emerging as a pivotal hurdle.
The details
The Breeze jumped out strong, racing to a 16-point lead in the opening quarter behind Rickea Jackson’s nine points. But the Mist chipped away, and even though Paige Bueckers provided a spark with a late fourth-quarter floater that put Breeze up 62-55, the Mist surged back. The Breeze stalled in the final period, mustering just seven points as Ogunbowale and teammates seized control.
Key notes
- On Monday, March 3, 2026, Ogunbowale sealed the win with a decisive 3 on her 29th birthday.
- The Unrivaled Championship final is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 9:30 p.m. EST.
The players
- Arike Ogunbowale — Star guard for the Dallas Wings who authored the game-winning moment for the Mist in the semifinal.
- Paige Bueckers — Breeze standout, whose late-fourth-quarter floater helped secure a brief Breeze lead.
- Breanna Stewart — Mist’s top scorer with 23 points; co-founder of the Unrivaled League.
- Phantom BC — No. 1 seed entering the final, set to clash with the Mist after overcoming the absence of star center Aliyah Boston due to injury.
- Kelsey Plum — WNBPA’s first vice president, stressing the urgency of concluding the new CBA.
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What people are saying
“Revenue sharing remains a central issue in the ongoing WNBA CBA talks. A strike would hurt both sides.”
— Kelsey Plum, WNBPA First Vice President
What’s next
The Unrivaled Championship game pits the Mist against Phantom BC on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 9:30 p.m. EST.
Bottom line
Arike Ogunbowale’s birthday-clutch moment underscores not only the rising appeal of 3v3 basketball but also the broader movement toward player empowerment in leagues like Unrivaled. As CBA negotiations unfold, the financial terms awaiting agreement could shape the league’s trajectory and players’ compensation for years to come. Will this new format sustain its momentum, and how will the disputed revenue-sharing provisions influence the next season’s rosters and salaries? Share your thoughts in the comments.
